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\signature{Derek Lontine} 
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\opening{Dr Spear} 
 
I'd like to give you an update on my progress toward beginning research as a part of the CSM group. Over the last few weeks I've been meeting frequently with leadership at US Synthetic (USS). The panel of decision makers that I've been discussing options with has consisted of:

\begin{itemize}
\item \textbf{Ken Bertagnolli} - VP Research and Development
\item \textbf{Ken Jensen} - VP Business Development
\item \textbf{Scott Schmidt} - VP Engineering
\item \textbf{Trent Butcher} - General Legal Counsel
\item \textbf{Kevin Graham} - Engineering Manager
\end{itemize}

From those discussions we've had several basic outputs of our meetings. Those outputs were to attempt to answer the questions of:
\begin{itemize}
\item Is performing this research important to USS?
\item Is seeking a graduate degree one of the best options for developing needed skills and addressing problems relating to USS?
\item Will publishing research pose a risk to USS?
\item If so, what areas of inquiry will pose less risk to USS if published?
\end{itemize}
 
 The results of these meetings have been quite fruitful. There is common consensus that the research is of great importance, and that having me seek a graduate degree is in the best interest of me and the company. There is also consensus that the CSM group is best suited to help develop the skills needed to be successful in developing computational models for ultra high-pressure research. We also found that the best course of action would be to seek a MS degree with a thesis. It is in this way that I can maximize my involvement with you and your team and learn more. 
 
 There is, however, a bit of a divide on the type of research that can be permitted in a university setting. The primary problems being that of publishing results and allowing our competition to know what it is we are doing and how we are doing it. The intellectual property battle in our industry is very fierce and can mean hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue in lost lawsuits. In this regard, it is in the best interest of the company to prevent our competition from even knowing that we are performing computational research related to high pressure.
 
 That being said, we have identified several areas of research that we can consider as being "safe" for publishing results. The trick is to develop the skills learned through the course of study that will be relevant not only to this one area of research, but also to many other areas as well.  
 
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\item 
\item Next way
 
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 Another gap that we have observed is a lack of clear understanding about how the financial aspects of masters thesis options work.
 
 
\closing{Thank you,} 
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